Üsterheim
Üsterheim, the capital city of the Imperial Electoral Province of Üstermark and a principality of the Zimean Empire in its own right, rests among hills from which flow the tributaries that lead out to the zimean coast. The Counts of Üstermark built tall castles at the top of these hills overlooking the growing city, once the meeting place for the western warlords of the Halbehand tribe. So narrow is the approach to the keep named the Hand's Nest that it needs no surrounding curtain wall: the great keep just sits there, watching over the region. It is said by the locals that the Counts can see the whole of his province from the window of his throne room, which faces west so he can keep an eye on the Dwarves of Crackstone.
Üsterheim itself is a sizable town that is currently suffering from the loss of trade from Crackstone. Many travelers and merchants would stop there for its fairs, where even some Elven goods are available. Brokers sell minerals from the Crackstone mines here too, which commands a high price because of its exquisite quality, lightness, and durablility.
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